About Mediterranean Cooking

Tips to Mediterranean Meal Success

Mediterranean cuisine offers many options. It's light, vibrant and adaptable, so it can be eaten every day. It's also a little mysterious because the more you experiment with Mediterranean recipes, the more variations you'll discover.

Mediterranean Cooking

Focuses more on sautéing, brazing and roasting then frying, although some foods may be fried in olive oil.

Uses sauces that tend to be vinaigrette (a combination of olive oil, an acid and spices), natural juices or vegetable-based.

Offers more options for serving either hot or cold. Butter and cream, traditionally used in American cuisine, congeal when cold, while olive oil maintains its smoothness.

Focuses on combined flavors. American cuisine separates meats, vegetables and starches into main and side dishes, but into main and side dishes, but many Mediterranean meals combine foods into one dish.

Involves interchangeable ingredients, and amounts can be varied to adjust intensity based on taste preferences.

Stocking the Perfect Mediterranean Pantry

For many, Mediterranean cuisine conjures up romantic images with exotic, foreign flavors. However, it's a misconception that ingredients in delicious Mediterranean recipes are difficult to fine and expensive. In fact, you may already have many items in your pantry. If not, a quick trip to the local store provide everything you need to "go Mediterranean."

Olive oil is the principal fat in Mediterranean cooking. Using olive oil to replace other fats and oils gives your recipes a lighter, cleaner flavor.

Wine in moderation with meals in an integral part of traditional Mediterranean lifestyle.

Spices allow a chef to vary the intensity of a dish according to taste preferences. Stock up on the basics, including coriander, cumin, fresh pepper, saffron, cinnamon, ginger, tumeric, clove cayenne pepper, fennel and salt.